Biography

Born in ltaly, Tony D’Urso immigrated to the United States at age 21 with only eight years of education. While working full time, Tony received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Pratt Institute School of Architecture.

Tony began his public service career in 1971 with the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development, where he rose through the ranks to become assistant commissioner of the Division of Architecture Engineering and Construction. Under his direction, the division designed and built approximately 2,000 to 2,500 apartments per year during the last 10 years of his career. During this time, Tony also taught at Bronx Community College and volunteered with youth sports teams and community organizations, aspiring to have a positive impact on future generations. In addition, Tony has served in several positions, including president, of Cellini Lodge of the Order Sons of Italy in America in New Hyde Park since 1975.

In 1991, Tony was elected councilman for the town of North Hempstead. He was instrumental in limiting spending and saving taxpayer money, repairing infrastructure and improving local parks. Tony also helped pass “trap, spay/neuter and release” feral cat laws and secured funding to expand the town animal shelter.

Since leaving his post as councilman in 2005, Tony has been committed to helping the less fortunate both locally and abroad, embarking on 40 volunteer trips over the past decade. He helped establish an orphanage for children devastated by the 2010 Haitian earthquake; worked in rural Nicaragua building houses, schools, community centers and water projects; and travels to Kenya to build schools and provide children with food, uniforms and school supplies.

As a small boy, in Formia, Italy; Tony witnessed both of his parents risking their lives to hide a Jewish family from the German soldiers. This experience shaped his identity and gave his life a sense of purpose.

Tony and his wife, Maria, lived in New Hyde Park for 35 years before moving to Port Washington. They have four children: Anthony Jr., Joseph, Peter and Rosanna. Tony is also the proud grandfather of Aidan, Hannah, Luca, Matteo, Nicholas and Ryan.